I had the opportunity to talk to Jack Carter (’13) about his internship at Solventerra, a Boston-based start-up that develops and manages clean-energy and sustainability campaigns. Thanks to a Career Services summer internship grant, Jack had the chance to gain hands-on office experience, pioneer substantive clean-energy projects, and feel his contributions being valued and noticed. Read on as Jack discusses his experiences saving the environment—and embarking on some career development along the way.
1. What motivated you to apply for a Career Services’ internship grant?
I became connected to Solventerra through Greg Hering (E ’10), who received an internship grant during his time here. He told me that the company could not offer me a salary, but that I should apply for this grant and get some money that way. I was offered the internship a few days before the grant was due. One of the grant donors had specified that his grant should apply to a green energy company, and I was selected.
2. How did the internship grant facilitate your overall internship experience?
If I hadn’t received the grant, the internship couldn’t afford to pay me. I probably still would have done something with the company, but I would have worked part time for the whole summer, or full time for only four to six weeks. With the $3,500 grant, I could work there all summer. I had extra responsibilities, which taught me additional skills and look great on my resume. This experience is helping me as I apply for summer internships.
3. What was the application process like?
I found out about the grant three days before it was due. I needed two references. I received one from of my professors and one from my previous employer. There was a total of 2-3 pages of writing for around 10 different questions.
4. What inspired you to pursue an internship at Solventerra?
It was nice because I knew someone there through Tufts, and he assured me that I’d be doing some real work. I wouldn’t be fetching coffee for people, and that was really attractive to me. This is one of the advantages of working at a smaller company. It’s more likely that a startup won’t be able to pay you, but this is the reason that Tufts’ funding opportunities are so important. They allow students to pursue companies without worrying about compensation, focusing instead on their other benefits.
5. What were your main responsibilities as an intern?
I had two major projects over the summer. First, I was responsible for making the company’s new website, Solventerra.com. I had taken a web programming course in the spring semester, and the company was very happy with the new website. I created a form where people could describe their property, allowing Solventerra to assess its promise as a solar candidate. After I completed the website, I began to create solar panel installation layouts. I looked at topographical maps of potential sites and placed each solar panel individually, taking care to maintain proper distances from wetlands, shade sources, and property lines. I had to develop the workflow myself, integrating AutoCAD and other professional software. I designed eleven layouts, and saved Solventerra $2,300 per layout. Several of these projects have reached final planning stages and should be constructed according to my designs, which is an incredible feeling.
6. What would you say you learned from the job?
I learned engineering skills, along with basic office skills. It was my first office job. I participated in meetings and got into the habit of arriving on time, dressed professionally, five days a week. I met with clients and learned how to interact with professionals in meetings and at trade expos. I would highly recommend pursuing an internship at a smaller company, where interns can more easily shape their experience to pursue their individual goals.
7. Did your experience as an intern lend insight into what you can see yourself doing professionally?
I fully intend to make a career in energy. Last month I participated in the DoE Better Buildings case competition, designing energy efficiency improvements for a hotel. We presented our findings in Washington, D.C. I am currently seeking an internship in commercial building energy efficiency. This is a huge, emerging market. Before my internship with Solventerra, I had no idea what I wanted to do as an engineer. Now I have a real passion for energy efficiency, and Solventerra gave me the foundation of a career in the field.
It was nice because I knew someone there through Tufts, and he assured me that I’d be doing some real work. I wouldn’t be fetching coffee for people, and that was really attractive to me. This is one of the advantages of working at a smaller company. It’s more likely that a startup won’t be able to pay you, but this is the reason that Tufts’ funding opportunities are so important. They allow students to pursue companies without worrying about compensation, focusing instead on their other benefits.
5. What were your main responsibilities as an intern?
I had two major projects over the summer. First, I was responsible for making the company’s new website, Solventerra.com. I had taken a web programming course in the spring semester, and the company was very happy with the new website. I created a form where people could describe their property, allowing Solventerra to assess its promise as a solar candidate. After I completed the website, I began to create solar panel installation layouts. I looked at topographical maps of potential sites and placed each solar panel individually, taking care to maintain proper distances from wetlands, shade sources, and property lines. I had to develop the workflow myself, integrating AutoCAD and other professional software. I designed eleven layouts, and saved Solventerra $2,300 per layout. Several of these projects have reached final planning stages and should be constructed according to my designs, which is an incredible feeling.
6. What would you say you learned from the job?
I learned engineering skills, along with basic office skills. It was my first office job. I participated in meetings and got into the habit of arriving on time, dressed professionally, five days a week. I met with clients and learned how to interact with professionals in meetings and at trade expos. I would highly recommend pursuing an internship at a smaller company, where interns can more easily shape their experience to pursue their individual goals.
7. Did your experience as an intern lend insight into what you can see yourself doing professionally?
I fully intend to make a career in energy. Last month I participated in the DoE Better Buildings case competition, designing energy efficiency improvements for a hotel. We presented our findings in Washington, D.C. I am currently seeking an internship in commercial building energy efficiency. This is a huge, emerging market. Before my internship with Solventerra, I had no idea what I wanted to do as an engineer. Now I have a real passion for energy efficiency, and Solventerra gave me the foundation of a career in the field.
